KPGA Tour Championship starts on the 7th
Leads in multiple wins, prize money, and average strokes
The key to the match is with Kim Min-gyu, who is tied for first place with the most wins.
Likely to win 4 awards since Bae Sang-moon in 2009
Jang Yu-bin (22), who has emerged as the biggest star on the Korea Professional Golf (KPGA) Tour in her second year as a professional, will challenge to win four major titles in the last tournament of the season.
Jang Yu-bin will participate in the KPGA Tour Championship held at Jeju Cypress Golf & Resort (par 71) for four days starting on the 7th. This competition, the final match of the season, is a king-of-the-match competition in which only the top 70 players in Genesis points participate to decide the ranking without missing the cut.
Jang Yu-bin has already confirmed winning the Genesis Grand Prize through the Dong-A Membership Group Open, which ended on the 3rd. He also ranks first in prize money (1.041 billion won), average number of strokes (69.53 strokes), and most wins (2 wins). The last player to take first place in the KPGA Tour grand prize, prize money, and average number of wins (Deokchun Award) was Bae Sang-moon in 2009.
The match with Min-gyu Kim (23), who is tied for first place in most wins and second place in prize money, is the point to watch. Kim Min-gyu, who won two games this season, has accumulated prize money of 983.94 million won. The difference with Jang Yu-bin is 57.1 million won. The prize money for winning the KPGA Tour Championship is 220 million won. If Min-gyu Kim wins, he will take home the titles of most wins and highest prize money.
Jang Yu-bin is determined to challenge the PGA Tour after achieving her final achievement by winning this tournament. By winning the Genesis Grand Prize, Jang Yu-bin received the right to participate in the PGA Tour Qualifying School and the DP World Tour (European Tour) for one year. Jang Yu-bin will participate in the final match of the PGA Tour Qualifying School held in the United States in December. If you place in the top 5 here, you will receive the right to participate in the PGA Tour in the 2025 season. Those ranked 6th to 45th are eligible to participate in the Korn Ferry Tour, the second division PGA tour. Jang Yu-bin said, “I want to improve my skills as much as possible and get good results at qualifying school,” and added, “I think if I gain more confidence in putting, I will be able to succeed in the United States.”
KPGA Tour Championship, the Rookie Award (Outstanding Award) winners are also selected. Kim Baek-jun (23) is in the lead with Rookie of the Year points with 1,085.88 points, and Song Min-hyuk (20) is in second place with 1,030.44 points. If you win this competition, you will get 900 Rookie of the Year points, second place will get 480 points, and third place will get 405 points.
Reporter Lee Heon-jae [email protected]
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Interview between Time.news Editor and KPGA Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to today’s special interview on the KPGA Tour Championship that kicks off on the 7th! With us is golf expert and analyst, Dr. Lee Sung-hoon. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lee!
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s a thrilling time for golf in Korea, especially with the championship on the horizon.
Editor: Certainly! The spotlight seems to be on Jang Yu-bin as she heads into this event. She’s had a phenomenal season, leading in prize money and other formidable stats. What stands out to you the most about her performance this year?
Dr. Lee: Jang Yu-bin has been nothing short of sensational. At just 22, she’s already confirmed her spot as the Genesis Grand Prize winner, leads in prize money with over 1 billion won, and enjoys an impressive average of 69.53 strokes per round. Her ability to maintain such consistency and outperform seasoned players is remarkable. It’s reminiscent of Bae Sang-moon’s achievements in 2009.
Editor: Absolutely. You mentioned her remarkable consistency. How crucial do you think her experience from this season will be in the KPGA Tour Championship?
Dr. Lee: Experience plays a huge role in high-stakes tournaments. This is a “king-of-the-match” competition where only the top 70 competitors are invited, and there’s no room for error or missed cuts. Jang’s journey through this season has not only sharpened her skills but also built her mental resilience, essential for handling the pressure of the final tournament.
Editor: Now, let’s talk about her key competitor, Kim Min-gyu, who is tied with her in wins and is just behind her in prize money. How does the competition between these two shape the championship narrative?
Dr. Lee: It’s fascinating! Kim Min-gyu’s consistent performance is injecting excitement into the tournament. He has had an impressive season with two wins and is eyeing that top prize. The tight race means that both Jang and Kim will be pushing each other to excel. If Kim wins, he takes home several titles, which adds another layer of competition. The stakes couldn’t be higher!
Editor: Definitely. What do you think will be the key factors that will decide the outcome between these two?
Dr. Lee: Strategy and mental fortitude will play crucial roles. Jang’s putting consistency is one aspect she mentioned wanting to improve, and if she can nail that down, it can make all the difference. On the other hand, Kim will want to leverage his aggressive playstyle. The player who can manage their nerves best while staying aggressive will likely come out on top.
Editor: As we look ahead, Jang is not only aiming for a strong finish in the KPGA but also has her eyes set on the PGA Tour Qualifying School next month. What does this transition mean for her career?
Dr. Lee: Moving to the PGA Tour is a significant step, as it’s the pinnacle of professional golf. If she performs well in the qualifiers, she could set herself up for greater opportunities and a higher competitive standard. Her goal of participating in the 2025 season and beyond could redefine her career, and frankly, her talent certainly warrants that stage.
Editor: Exciting times ahead for Jang Yu-bin! Any final thoughts on the KPGA Tour Championship and what fans should look forward to?
Dr. Lee: Fans can expect an intense showdown! With the best of the best competing, it’s not just about the prize money but the pride and recognition at stake. The drama between Jang and Kim is one to watch, and regardless of the outcome, this championship could set the stage for both players’ futures in golf.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insights. We look forward to an exhilarating championship starting soon. Best of luck to all the players!
Dr. Lee: Thank you! It’s going to be a thrilling tournament ahead!